Global Automotive Parts Manufacturer to Create 435 New Jobs
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd along with Unipres USA Inc. officials announced today the company will expand its Portland facilities by adding new presses and building space to house the additional presses. The expansion will create 435 new jobs over the next five years in Sumner County.
“We want to congratulate Unipres USA on its expansion and thank the company for its plans to create more than 400 new jobs in Portland,” Haslam said. “The momentum of our automotive sector is a direct result of the success of the many manufacturers, suppliers and other thriving automotive-related companies that call our state home, and today’s announcement supports our goal to make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.”
“Unipres USA has not only been an outstanding corporate citizen in Portland, it has also made a significant difference in the community with its contributions to local schools, parks, and fire and police departments,” Boyd said. “I would like to thank Unipres USA for its continued investment in Sumner County and look forward to the company’s future growth and success in Middle Tennessee.”
“Unipres USA would like to thank Governor Haslam, Commissioner Boyd, Tennessee Economic and Community Development, Mayor Wilber, City of Portland Economic Development, Portland Industrial Development Board, and County Executive Holt for the generous support with our business growth,” Unipres USA President Takeo Sato said. “Unipres has been fortunate with new opportunities in Portland. Unipres is committed to being a good community partner and will, as much as possible, use local companies and contractors for construction and expansion activities. Also, we look forward to being a part of the growth in the community.”
The expansion includes significant capital investment in the renovation and retrofitting of a storage warehouse to house assembly equipment and materials. The ongoing expansion plans also include an addition to the existing manufacturing facilities of approximately 32,000 square feet to house two new 2,500-ton transfer presses and one 600-ton blanking press.
“We are very fortunate to have Unipres USA as a leader in our industrial community,” Portland Mayor Ken Wilber said. “Though the years, they have been consistent with participation in projects that enhance the quality of life for the citizens of our community. We are proud to be a part of their growth and hope to support them for many more years.”
“I would like to thank Unipres USA for expanding not only in Portland but also in Sumner County,” Sumner County Executive Anthony Holt said. “I am excited about their investment and creation of high paying jobs. I look forward to working with them and in making their investment a success not only for the company, but for our community as well.”
“TVA and Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation congratulate Unipres USA on its announced plans to expand and add new jobs at its Portland operations,” TVA Senior Vice President of Economic Development John Bradley said. “We are pleased to partner with the state of Tennessee, city of Portland and Sumner County officials to assist the growth of existing industries.”
Unipres USA, a premium automotive parts manufacturer, focuses primarily on stamping, machining and assembly of metal parts for the main portions of automotive body structures, in addition to pressing molded components and precision automatic transmission parts. The company has been in Portland since 1987 and currently employs a workforce of more than 1,000.
About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
Tennessee was named 2014 and 2013 “State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s mission is to develop strategies which help make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs. The department seeks to attract new corporate investment in Tennessee and works with Tennessee companies to facilitate expansion and economic growth. Find us on the web: tnecd.com. Follow us on Twitter: @tnecd. Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/tnecd.
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